2019 Schedule

The Shifting Sands of Sampson's IslandDavid Churbuck

June 20 | Cotuit Library | 7 PM David Churbuck will present our first Chronicles of the season and help us kick off our special exhibit at the Museum. Come hear about the history of Dead Neck Sampsons Island, including the origin of the Wianno Cut, and how the island has changed dramatically over the years..

Cotuit's Mansard LadiesPhil Odence and Jim Gould

July 18 | Cotuit Library | 7 PM Mansard roofed houses are not exclusive to Cotuit, even on Cape Cod, but we do boast the Cape’s largest collection. The style was all the rage in the late 19th century and the vast majority of the Mansard Ladies built here still grace the heart of the village. Phil Odence and Jim Gould will tell the tale that started 300 years ago across the sea in Paris. And they will take you on a virtual tour around town to visit these beauties, each with its own story.

August 15 | Cotuit Library | 7 PM The outer coast of Massachusetts has been called the Graveyard of the North Atlantic with over 3,000 shipwrecks off Cape Cod since European sailors began exploring the Western Hemisphere. The earliest recorded wreck was that of the Pinnace Sparrow Hawk in 1626. Many wrecks followed, particularly in the 19th century, as commercial sailing vessel traffic peaked along our coast. Advances in modern navigation, weather forecasting and vessel technologies have not eliminated the risks, evidenced by the grounding of the cruise ship Royal Majesty off Nantucket in 1995 and the fast ferryIyannough in 2017 as it approached Hyannis Harbor. Navigational errors, extreme weather, equipment failures and human error are some of the causes. The Wydah, HMS Somerset, Pendleton, City of Columbus, Argo Merchant, Andrea Doria, and Norwegian Majesty are just a few of the marine accidents in our local waters that have shaped life-saving innovations in rescue equipment and operations.

Greg Ketchen is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Captain living in Osterville. He is currently serving as the president of the Coast Guard Heritage Museum located in Barnstable’s Old Customs House, a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the Coast Guard’s rich history, particularly here on Cape Cod.

The Health of the Waters in Three BaysZenas Crocker, Executive Director, Barnstable Clean Water Coalition

September 19 | Cotuit Library | 7 PM Educate ~ Monitor ~ Mitigate ~ Advocate. These are the cornerstones of the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition (BCWC). Come hear Executive Director Zenas Crocker speak about the condition of Barnstable’s Three Bays and describe how BCWC is helping in the restoration and preservation of them.

The Role of Animals in World War IJoseph Yukna, Co-Founder, Cape Cod Military Musuem

October 17 | Cotuit Library | 7 PM Join us for an hour long photo/lecture given by the Cape Cod Military Museum co-founder Joseph Yukna. From the mighty elephant to the lowly slug, animals were put to amazing uses during the world-wide conflict. You will learn about the expected draft horse and guard dogs to the surprising uniformed baboon that drew a salary, stood guard duty and got a pension!